Boundaries With My CEOChapter 3

By the time I finished getting ready, Cade had breakfast on the table. He was faster than me, already finished, sitting across the table and watching me with an unblinking intensity.

Feeling his eyes on me, I started shoveling food into my mouth.

Cade frowned. "Slow down," he said curtly.

I nodded, my cheeks puffed out like a squirrel, playing the role of the obedient student.

Ten minutes later, it was time for the commute. Usually, he’d drive me, but we were running a bit behind today.

Those obnoxious comments popped up again, jumping with excitement.

[If I remember the script correctly, today is the Big Day. The Leads meet today!]

[Yep, the Heroine starts at his company today. She’s a powerhouse, high EQ, and most importantly—she knows how to give a man space!]

[Exactly. The Lead actually feels comfortable around her.]

[Once he sees what a real woman looks like, he’s going to drop this clingy brat without a second thought.]

My eyes dimmed. So today was the day he met his soulmate.

My chest felt tight, the air in the room suddenly too thin to breathe.

Seeing me standing there like a statue, Cade prompted, "Get in the car."

I didn't move. "You go ahead. I'll just take an Uber."

Cade didn't argue; he simply opened his door, stepped out, and walked over to me. He stood close, his searching gaze making me feel completely exposed.

"You're mad," he stated. His voice was certain. "Because I dodged that kiss last night, right?"

I looked up, forcing a blank expression. "No."

Why be mad? I’d just finally seen the truth through the comment. I was a nuisance. I was just trying to fix it.

Cade clearly didn’t buy it. He stepped into my personal space. "Then why won't you let me drive you?"

My eyes flickered away. I couldn't tell him the real reason, so I went with a half-baked lie. "I just think... we should give each other some space. You know, boundaries."

Cade froze. It was like I’d slapped him. He clearly hadn't expected those words to come out of my mouth.

He didn't push further. He just gave me one long, searching look. "...Fine. I’ll pick you up after work."

Without waiting for me to agree, he turned, got back in his car, and peeled out of the driveway.

I was a mess all day. I couldn't focus on a single task. The comment kept chiming in, telling me Cade was driving the Heroine home, that he’d forgotten all about me, mocking me for even hoping he'd show up.

But I couldn't help it. My heart was still holding onto a shred of hope as I walked out of the office building.

The spot where his car usually sat ten minutes early was empty.

I stared at the vacant pavement for a long time.

As I was lost in thought, a bright, cheerful voice rang out behind me. "Hey, Daisy? What are you doing standing there? Can't catch a ride?"

"The subway is going to be a nightmare during rush hour. I’ve got my bike—want a lift?"

I turned around. It was Nico, a trendy-looking guy who’d joined the team a few days ago. He was high-energy, like a golden retriever in human form.

I was about to say no out of habit, but I looked at the darkening sky and thought about Cade driving some other woman home.

I nodded. "Sure. Thanks, Nico."

Nico, who was a good head taller than me, easily slid his spare helmet onto my head. "No problem at all."

But the moment the buckle clicked, a sharp, prolonged honk cut through the air.

Before I could even process it, Cade was out of his car. He strode over, his face like a thundercloud, and grabbed my hand, interlacing his fingers with mine in a crushing grip.

Then, he reached up and plucked the helmet off my head—the helmet I’d been wearing for all of ten seconds.

He handed it back to Nico, his tone casual but dripping with territorial aggression.

"Hey there."

"I'm Daisy's boyfriend. Cade."

Nico blinked, then let out a bit of a cocky grin. "Whoa, man. You’re running a little behind for a boyfriend, aren't you? We’ve been off the clock for ages."